The best way to go for your first online course
- Ieva Laicane
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
So, you’re standing at the edge of the digital course world, peeking over the ledge and wondering, Is now the time to launch my first course? If you’ve been toying with the idea of turning your one-on-one work into a scalable product but feel unsure about what direction to take, let's talk about the best way to go for your first online course!
Whether you’re a nutritionist, therapist, designer, lawyer, you probably know by now that your knowledge can help others. The real question is: what’s the best idea for your first product?
Let’s break it all down.
Listen to this in a podcast episode instead:
Why Now is the Time to Create Your First Course
You don’t need to be a tech wizard or have a 10-module mega-program planned out. You just need:
An idea that solves a specific problem
A willingness to start small and focused
A process that doesn’t overwhelm you
Ready to jump into action? Get Your First Course Workshop here!
Picking the Best Idea for Your First Product
Let’s talk strategy. When you're creating your first course, you want to make something that’s:
Focused on solving one clear, real problem
Simple enough to execute well without burnout
Flexible enough to build upon later
What does that look like?
Start with a Smaller, Evergreen Course
Evergreen means it sells continuously - not just during a launch window. Starting with an evergreen offer gives you the space to:
Test the waters
Learn the process without overwhelm
Build a product that’s timeless
It doesn’t have to be a “mini course” with five micro lessons. It can be a full, foundational course - just don’t go overboard. Don't try to solve every problem your audience has in one go.
Zoom in, Don’t Zoom Out
Your first course should zoom in on a very specific topic or issue. Think:
“How to plan a week of healthy meals for busy moms”
“How to write your website’s About page without crying”
“How to organize your bedroom for better sleep as an HSP”
Specific = effective. It’ll make your life easier and your course way more marketable.
How Big Should It Be?
Let’s say you're planning 3 modules, 5 lessons per modul, each lesson around 5–20 minutes.
That’s 15 lessons total. Not tiny, but totally manageable. The length of the lessons doesn’t matter nearly as much as the clarity of the transformation you’re offering.
So instead of asking how much content should I include?, ask:
What’s the simplest way I can get them from Point A to Point B?
Why This Approach Works
Once you've created this focused course, it becomes a Swiss Army knife in your digital product toolbox.
Here’s how it can evolve:
Sell it as a standalone offer for $97 or more
Include it as a module in your future signature program
Bundle it with other focused courses
Use it as a bonus for another offer
Break it up into workshops or masterclasses
This is the beauty of starting with a clear, niche problem - you can always remix and repurpose later.
A Real Talk Moment: Your First Course Won’t Be Perfect
Let’s keep it real: your first course is probably not going to be your magnum opus. And that’s okay.
Even if it’s good (which it probably will be), you’ll eventually want to:
Add to it
Refine your message
Create something even more aligned
But you can’t improve on what doesn’t exist. Getting it out there is the only way to grow your skills and your confidence.
From First Course to Offer Suite
Your first product can grow with you. Think of it like planting a seed:
🌱 Start with your focused evergreen course
🌿 Expand into a bundle or signature program
🌳 Build a full offer suite over time
The key? Start now, not later. Done is better than perfect.
Want Help Making It Happen?
If you’re nodding your head, thinking Yes! I just need a push and a plan, then get instant access to Your First Mini Course Workshop here.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEPS
Listen to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Connect with me on Instagram @coursecreationlab
